A Frontal Head Restraint (FHR) is an essential piece of safety equipment that helps minimise the risk of sustaining head and neck injuries in motorsport. An FHR device that is shaped like a large “U,” that sits on top of your shoulders, and it is then attached to a suitable homologated helmet and locked into position on your chest with the racing harness.
The FHR system works by reducing head movement in a frontal accident, by reducing how far your head moves forward, dramatically reduces the violent head whip backwards, and it is the backwards movement is what breaks your neck, with the base of the skull breaking your spinal cord!
Although the FHR offers clear safety benefits, it initially took some time for global motorsport bodies of its true potential from when it was first invented. If we fast-forward to today, it is now mandatory for all drivers and co-drivers to wear one in racing and rallying competitions.
Wearing an FHR device is now considered a vital piece of safety equipment, on par with wearing your helmet.
The FHR device is commonly across a range of motorsport categories and is not reserved solely for various rally competitions. F1 drivers, through to Touring Car Champions, all rely on a wide range of FHR devices from various manufacturers to help protect them.
How did the HANS/FHR device come into existence?
Dr Robert Hubbard, working with his brother-in-law, the well-known American driver Jim Downing, helped create the original HANS device. HANS (head and neck support) was the original brand name, and one that is commonly referred to for this technology instead of FHR.
Hubbard was a professor of biomechanical engineering who was motivated to work with Jim Downing to develop a product after a mutual friend, Patrick Jacquemart, tragically died in a motorsport accident.
Patrick’s life was tragically cut short at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, where the car he was driving hit a sandbank. This event brought Hubbard and his brother-in-law together to create the device that was formally known as a HANS device.
Has the FIA made the FHR system compulsory?
The FIA actually made the FHR system compulsory for all internationally held motorsport events at the start of 2009. This means that to participate in well-known rallies and races you require FIA-homologated safety equipment which includes an FHR device. Shortly after this all national bodies for motorsport in their countries required an FHR to be mandatory to all events.
Do I need to wear an FHR device during practice laps / private race tracks?
The FIA insist that that an FHR is worn during professionally managed competitions. This means that even if you're on a private road, if you are testing or practising and getting a feel for your car on the weekend, you should still wear an FHR device as its intention is to better protect you.
It takes seconds, literally, to hook up to your helmet, yet if the worst were to occur and the rally car were to stray from the road, you would be thankful you wore the device. Therefore, the point is simple: an FHR/HANS device is designed for professionally managed competitions, but wear one even if you are taking the car for a “quick-spin” as well.
Choosing the correct angle and size of your FHR device
FHR devices come in various angles to suit the seating position in your car and you need to get the correct angle to make sure the upright rear section of the device does not foul your seat back or in turn push your head forward as it touches you helmet.
For Saloon vehicles with a very regular seating position the one to choose is a 20 degree angle, where as in Formula car, or in a race car that has a very laid back seating position you will require a 30 degree angle.
Sizing comes down to your physical build and follow our website for specific instruction on sizing. But mostly petit ladies would require a small, and the greater majority of people are a medium. The large is sized to cover large neck sizes and has a bigger width to suit someone who is broad shouldered.
What materials produce the best HANS device?
All FHR devices have to pass a very stringent test by the FIA, irrelevant of what material it is made from.
There are a plethora of different models available from different companies, and mainly the cheaper the devise the less exotic the material, and while these devices are heavier in weight it will protect you in just the same way as the most expensive model.
The slimmer designs made in carbon fibre are incredibly light, and are mostly used in racing where weight becomes a major consideration. While in rallying when you take the device off and on numerous times a day while in the car a lighter device maybe of preference.
Invest in a safety kit you can afford; you need to buy as light a helmet that your budget permits as this sits on top of your head, while an FHR sits on your shoulders you would not notice its weight and so a cheaper and heavier FHR device would be suffice.
What is an example of one of the most affordable FHR systems that you offer?
Stand 21 Club Series FHR.
The Stand 21 Club Series offers serious value for money thanks to its thermoplastic construction, which significantly reduces costs. The compromise is that this FHR device is on the heavier side when compared to other models. However, at this price point, it is more than affordable even if you only occasionally drive or co-drive, say on the odd weekend.
This is our entry-level HANS device, the Stand 21 Club Series weighs just 950 grams and is still considerably lighter than some other manufacturers' devices. Therefore, this device offers serious bang for your buck and is aimed at the more budget-conscious driver.
For a little more you can purchase the Stand 21 Club Series 3 device, with design features that have reduced the weight of the unit to make is easier to handle.
HANS IV FHR
The HANS IV is the latest designed FHR from HANS. It has a composite construction but has specific lightweight design features. While it is HANS entry level model it is inline from a cost perspective of the Club Series 3, but it has a few advantages.
The HANS IV has a new compact chest pads that has a structured cushion that fits into a groove on the chest yokes, making it slimline and far less bulky to manage.
Only available in a 20 degree angle for saloon rally and race cars, the device is the only one on the market that comes in three sizes, the standard medium and large as others, but it also has a small size which is ideal for women and youths.
HANS III FHR
The HANS III is an FHR device out on its own, it is the only entry level device in a 30 degree angle, which allows racers in Formula cars a cheaper option FHR without the need to invest heavily in a lightweight carbon model.
Available in both medium and large sizes.
What would you recommend as a mid-priced FHR device?
Stand 21 Club Series 3 FHR system.
Our Stand 21 Club Series 3 FHR system is an extremely popular option for two main reasons: first, it is manufactured from a thermos plastic material, it has a very cleaver design that has helped to significantly reduce its weight.
The second is due to Stand 21's expertise in producing FHR devices on a large scale; they have refined and perfected what is known as the “monolithic technology process. Now that sounds like a mouthful; however, it essentially means the machine has milled the FHR to be extremely thin, improving the occupant's comfort to the extent that you can hardly feel it when it's on and fitted.
This FHR device is only 25% more than the entry level model, it weight makes it a fantastic mid-range model.
I want the best FHR device you can offer- what are my options?
Stand 21 Featherlite FHR Device
The Stand 21 Featherlite FHR Device is one of the best options that money can buy, and that is for one straightforward reason: its weight, or should we say lack of it!
The Featherlite is the most popular device in Formula 1 and it here where it lives up to its name, weighing just 310 grams (excluding accessories). This is one of the lightest FHR devices money can buy at this price point and is one of our best-selling items.
This option is therefore selected by true professional drivers who want the comfort and weight savings that this FHR device can provide.
In particular, motorsport categories where every gram of weight matters, and it exceptionally thin and sleek design make it so desirable, such as F1, makes this the device of choice in the premium-level products.
Available in either a 20 or 30 degree angle, and in medium or large sizes it is a device that can be used in almost any motorsport discipline.
HANS Zero FHR
Another high end model is the HANS Zero, only fractionally heavier that the featherlite model, the HANS Zero is available in a 30 degree medium size only
What is a Simpson Hybrid FHR
While all other FHR devices on the market follow the same design principles of the original HANS device, the Simpson Hybrid is designed to achieve the same safety levels and achieving it from a different design with some additional benefits.
Unlike the HANS oriented devices that require them to be locked in position by the cars harness, the Hybrid have body straps that hold it in position. The tethers are held on the main structure which is positioned on the top of you back.
The benefit of this design it does not cause any issues with your collarbone, and it also can be left in position on your body by just disconnecting the helmet, This is more of a benefit in rallying as the helmet can be removed in car between the multiple stages of an event.
Another benefit is the helmet connection tether that have an additional strap that allows a certain amount of whiplash protection in side impacts or rollover accidents.
The Hybrid can be used in saloon or formula cars, with strap adjustments it can have either a 20 or 30 degree setting. The only consideration on purchase is getting the correct strap lengths to fit your torso, and there are womens versions to fit the female form.
Available in the heavier Sport version or the light carbon model in the Pro-Lite it allows a model to match your requirements and to suit your budget.
I need help selecting the right homologated helmet to pair with my FHR/HANS device.
This is why true motorsport professionals and enthusiasts from around the world come to us. We have full ranges from Stand 21, HANS and the Simpson Hybrid ranges in stock making us your one stop shop.
Our super-friendly staff will be able you to match say the latest Stilo ST6 helmet with the correct FHR device. All items are ready for quick dispatch.
Whether you are just after a new pair of gloves or require a much broader range of products, we are here to help.
We have been the motorsport experts for decades, no matter your forte, whether it be rally driving or GT racing, we have the expertise, knowledge and equipment to help you improve your driving performance.
